Taker or Giver

Back in 2012 my wife and I lead a 6-week Bible study written by Chip Ingram. The study had several powerful topics. One of the studies asked “How do you think God defines greatness?” As we got more into the study a question came to me “Am I a taker or giver?”

I’m RW and let’s have a fireside chat about “Are you always a taker?”

At my job everyone works hard which you may say is good for the company because everyone is working so the company can profit and be successful. But that is not truly the case for most people. People seem to only be out for themselves with hidden agendas, self-promotion, self-interest and self-gratification. It is about taking and not giving. The standard approach is what can I get from some that is going to help my agenda? No helps unless it fits in with his agenda and/or leads to personal gain. If you approach someone about their attitude and actions they would deny it. My thought is they are desensitized to it or they know the truth and do not want to accept it for fear of what they may lose (power and/or position). It could also be pride. It seems to be an uneasy and unpleasant environment. But if you think about it this does not just occur at my job. It may occur at your job as well and even more so outside the jobs in everyday life.

Are you taker or are you a giver? “Before you answer the question I want you to mediate on a few scripture verses. The first is Philippians 2:3-4 . When someone always takes I wonder do they value others above themselves. Are they in it for themselves? But the Bible says “3 Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves, 4 not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” The opposite of humility is pride. The Bible says we must have humility. Another scripture verse is Colossians 3:23-24 “23 Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,24 since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.” Reading that scripture gives one a different view of how our actions should be.

Another question I would like to ask do your actions give God the glory or do you take the glory for them? Our action should be glorifying to the Lord. We should have love in our hearts. Galatians 5:13 “13 You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh[a]; rather, serve one another humbly in love.” Love is the key to the focus we should have.

Jesus came to this world to give us life that is everlasting. You see Jesus is a giver (Life, Peace, Joy, Security, Hope…..). Jesus was the perfect example of how we should live our lives. He gave us the example. When it comes to our actions will you be a giver or a taker? Will you have a Loving Spirit? Will you have a Humble Spirit? James 4:10“10 Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up.”